The new tools are part of an ongoing company strategy to open the Warp Server up to other industry standards and offer support for a variety of clients, according to Steven King, IBM's program manager for OS/2 Warp Server.

A new Primary Log-on Client for Windows NT tool will let OS/2 Warp Server act as the back-end server for Windows-based clients, performing the same user-authentication function as an NT server. IBM executives believe they can nip adoption of Windows NT in Warp Server-based networks by making it easier to use Microsoft client software.

Support is also forthcoming for the point-to-point protocol (PPP) in Warp Server's remote access software, opening up the platform to remote users running Windows NT or 95, IBM 8235, or Shiva products. The new Enhanced Remote Access Server expands on current Warp Server client support of OS/2 and Windows 3.11 users.

Both tools will be available to download from IBM's Web site next quarter.